LANSING, MI (AP)-- Michigan apple growers say recent mild weather doesn't pose a threat to this year's crop.
Most of the state's apples were ruined in 2012 when March temperatures soared above 80 degrees for several days, causing apple trees to blossom early. Frosty nights the next month killed the buds.
Temperatures have been up and down the past couple of weeks, at times reaching the 50s and 60s. Diane Smith of the Michigan Apple Committee says that hasn't caused any danger, although a long winter followed by gradual warming is best.
Forecasters say above-normal temperatures are expected for the rest of this month.
Amy Irish-Brown of Michigan State University Extension says apple trees produce far more buds than they need so they can still have fruit even with some bud losses.
